WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2023 : EVENTS & INFORMATION : FREE
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ftiy www.visitcairngorms.com
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Loch Insh Outdoor Centre
WELCOME DECEMBER 2023 Lintern ch, David inter Laun W e or em Avi
Welcome to the December edition of What’s On
The Cairngorms National Park is the place to be this December, there are loads of wonderful things going on… from Christmas Markets, festive exhibitions, torchlight processions, hogmanay celebrations and lots of chances to see Santa! Festivities kick off with the Christmas Fayre and Santa’s Grotto at beautiful Badaguish on Sunday 3rd December and The Festival De Noel in Braemar 8th - 10th December is a super special weekend. There is something for food lovers, music lovers, wreath making… Santa will be there… it will be magical. The Winter Launch in Aviemore is on Friday 15th December - a rail jam for the wee free style rippers, ice hockey (both brilliant to watch!), music, gluhwein and loads of laughs. This an iconic event where community and visitors can celebrate our wonderful Cairngorms winter together.
contents Eat, Drink & Activities
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What’s On
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Map
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What’s the Story... Festive Magic in the Cairngorms!
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You can jump on the festive steam train with the Strathspey Railway or head to Blair Atholl to make your own festive wreath - with roaring fires, a warm mince pie and a hot brew to hand, a blooming lovely treat! There really is loads going on.
This guide is available online visit visitcairngorms.com
When you need a bit of calm from the chaos, the special places to seek solitude and stillness will be waiting for you. A loch side walk, taking the chance to bag a munro on a beautiful winter’s day, or even a quick spin on your bike; you can take some time away and let our wonderful National Park calm your soul.
Published by and all advertising sales Cairngorms Business Partnership T: 01479 810200 info@visitcairngorms.com
We hope you have a wonderful Christmas, cracking Hogmanay and a fabulous 2024! If you’re looking for inspiration while you’re here or even planning your next visit, make sure you check out www.visitcairngorms.com
www.visitcairngorms.com Produced by Landmark Press, Carrbridge T: 01479 841900 www.landmark-press.com Cover photo: Landmark Park Twi-LIGHTS
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WHAT’s ON You are in an all year round destination with lots going on. Check out what’s happening each day, for further information and details of new events added please visit: www.visitcairngorms.com/ whats-on
December 2023 Events 2nd - 10th December Grantown Museum Christmas Fair - Grantown
Museum, Grantown on Spey. grantownmuseum.co.uk
8th - 10th December Festival De Noel - Braemar. www.facebook.com/ theghillieslarder
18th November - 28th January (weekends & daily over holidays) Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS - Landmark Forest
Adventure Park, Carrbridge. 4-6pm. T: 01479 841613. www.landmarkpark.co.uk
Wednesday 29th November Line Dancing; Various Classes - Grantown British Legion, Grantown on Spey. T: 07541 372524. FREE. Live Entertainment - Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 810233.
Thursday 30th November FREE. Christmas Fair - Iona Gallery, Kingussie. 10am-4pm. T: 01540 673422.
FREE. Craft and Chat Group - Grantown Library, The Square, Grantown-on-Spey. 10.30am-12.30pm. T: 01349 781630.
FREE. Chapel House Arts Christmas Exhibition -
Chapel House Arts, Kingussie. 1-5pm. T: 01540 662438. www.fusedandlight.co.uk Christmas Clubbercise with Louize - Boat of Garten Community Hall, Boat of Garten. 6-7pm. Fun fitness class (disco in the dark) for all levels of fitness. T: 07740 984247. www.facebook.com/fitnesswithlouize FREE. Aviemore Chess Club - Aviemore Community Centre Library, Muirton, Aviemore. 7pm. T: 07415 892669. FREE. Live Entertainment - Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 810233.
Friday 1st December FREE. Christmas Fair - Iona Gallery, Kingussie. 10am-4pm. T: 01540 673422.
FREE. Chapel House Arts Christmas Exhibition -
Chapel House Arts, Kingussie. 1-5pm. T: 01540 662438. www.fusedandlight.co.uk FREE. Boat of Garten Christmas Market - Boat of Garten Community Hall, Reidhaven Park, Boat of Garten. 4-7pm. T: 01479 831123. Live Music at The Winking Owl - The Winking Owl, Aviemore. T: 01479 812 368. www.thewinkingowl.co
Saturday 2nd December Christmas Fun with the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd - Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, Reindeer House, Aviemore. cairngormreindeer.co.uk/christmas-fun
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FREE. Parkrun Aviemore - Speyside Way, Dalfaber
Drive. 9.30am. www.parkrun.org.uk/aviemore Coffee and Chat - Cromdale Village Hall, Cromdale Village. 10am-12pm. www.cromdale.org T: 01479 872809. Christmas Fair - Iona Gallery, Kingussie. 10am-4pm. T: 01540 673422. Big Christmas Weekends - Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge. 10am-6pm. T: 01479 841613 www.landmarkpark.co.uk FREE. Grantown Does Christmas - Grantown on Spey. 10.30am-7pm. FREE. Chapel House Arts Christmas Exhibition Chapel House Arts, Kingussie. 1-5pm. T: 01540 662438. www.fusedandlight.co.uk Christmas Family Fun Day - Royal British Legion, Aviemore. 2pm. Festive Wreath Making with Maria - The Boat Country Inn, Deshar Road, Boat of Garten. 2-4pm. T: 01479 831258. Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS - Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge. 4-6pm. T: 01479 841613. www.landmarkpark.co.uk Live Music at The Winking Owl - The Winking Owl, Aviemore. T: 01479 812 368. www.thewinkingowl.co
Sunday 3rd December Big Christmas Weekends - Landmark Forest
Adventure Park, Carrbridge. 10am-6pm. T: 01479 841613. www.landmarkpark.co.uk
Christmas Fun with the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd - Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, Reindeer House,
Aviemore. www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk/christmas-fun FREE. Christmas Fair - Iona Gallery, Kingussie. 10am-4pm. T: 01540 673422.
Christmas Fayre and Santas Grotto at Badaguish - Badaguish Outdoor Centre, Aviemore. 10.30am-3.30pm. www.badaguish.org/event
Angels Nectar Whisky Tasting at Rothiemurchus - Rothiemurchus Farm Shop By Aviemore. 12.30-4pm. T: 07811 640778. www.angelsnectar.co.uk Kingussie Christmas Shopping Day - All day. Pipe band parade, 4pm & Tree lighting 4.30pm. www.kingussie.co.uk Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS - Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge. 4-6pm. T: 01479 841613. www.landmarkpark.co.uk
Monday 4th December FREE. Chapel House Arts Christmas Exhibition -
Chapel House Arts, Kingussie. 1-5pm. T: 01540 662438. www.fusedandlight.co.uk Christmas Clubbercise with Louize - Kincraig Community Hall, Kincraig. 6-7pm. Fun fitness class (disco in the dark) for all levels of fitness. T: 07740 984247. www.facebook.com/fitnesswithlouize Boat Talks - The visit to Scotland by George IV in 1 822 with Alan Marshall - Boat of Garten Community Hall, Reidhaven Park, Boat of Garten. 7.30-9pm. T: 01479 831123.
Tuesday 5th December FREE. Heritage Ranger Walk: Drumin Castle and the Wolf of Badenoch - Drumin Castle Car Park, Ballindalloch. 2-2.45pm. T: 07946 025981.
Wednesday 6th December FREE. Heritage Ranger Tour: Inveraven Church & Pictish Stones - Inveraven Church and Pictish Stones, Ballindalloch. 2-2.45pm. E: lydia@tgdt.org.uk Line Dancing; Various Classes - Grantown British Legion, Grantown on Spey. T: 07541 372524.
Highland League Football Match - Seafield Park, Heathfield Road, Grantown on Spey. 8-9.45pm. www.strathspeythistlefc.com
Thursday 7th December FREE. Craft and Chat Group - Grantown Library,
Grantown-on-Spey. 10.30am-12.30pm. T: 01349 781630.
FREE. Chapel House Arts Christmas Exhibition - Chapel House Arts, Kingussie. 1-5pm.
T: 01540 662438. www.fusedandlight.co.uk FREE. Aviemore Chess Club - Aviemore Community Centre Library, Muirton, Aviemore. 7-9pm. T: 07415 892669. A Candlelit Christmas Evening at Glenlivet Glenlivet Public Hall, Ballindalloch. 7.30pm. www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/ballindalloch/ glenlivet-public-hall/a-candlelit-christmas-eveningglenlivet/e-dgmzyk
Friday 8th December FREE. Heritage Ranger Tour: Castle Walk to Blairfindy from Glenlivet Distillery - The Glenlivet Distillery, Ballindalloch. 11am-12pm. T: 07946 025981.
FREE. Chapel House Arts Christmas Exhibition -
Chapel House Arts, Kingussie. 1-5pm. T: 01540 662438. www.fusedandlight.co.uk Duchess Kitty MP, a Musical Celebration - Blair Atholl Estates. 4-5pm. www.atholl-estates.co.uk Stargazing Tours - Brooklynn Grant Road, Grantown on Spey. T: 01479 873113. www.strathspeytours.com Wild Stargazing at Howe of Torbeg - Howe of Torbeg, Glen Gairn, Ballater. 7-9pm. T: 013397 56262. www.howeoftorbeg.co.uk The Toe Tappers Swing Band - Iona Gallery, Kingussie. 7-11pm. T: 01540 662453. FREE. Live music with Chris Grant - The Balavoulin, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 812255. Live Music at The Winking Owl - The Winking Owl, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 812368. www.thewinkingowl.co
Saturday 9th December Christmas Fun with the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd - Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, Reindeer House,
Aviemore. www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk/christmas-fun Festive Services on the Strathspey Railway Aviemore Station. Various Times. www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk FREE. Parkrun Aviemore - Speyside Way, Dalfaber Drive, Aviemore. 9.30am. www.parkrun.org.uk/aviemore E: aviemore@parkrun.com Santa’s Grotto at Blair Castle - Blair Castle, Blair Atholl. 10am-3pm. atholl-estates.co.uk/events/grotto Wreath Making Workshop - Blair Castle, Blair Atholl. 11am-1pm. atholl-estates.co.uk/events/wreathmaking Christmas Fair - The Richmond Memorial Hall. 1-4pm. FREE. Chapel House Arts Christmas Exhibition Chapel House Arts, Kingussie. 1-5pm. T: 01540 662438. www.fusedandlight.co.uk Highland League Football Match - Seafield Park, Heathfield Road, Grantown on Spey. 2-3.45pm. www.strathspeythistlefc.com Festive Table Centres workshop with Maria The Boat Country Inn, Boat of Garten. 2-4pm. T: 01479 831258. Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS - Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge. 4-6pm. T: 01479 841613. www.landmarkpark.co.uk Celebration of Christmas - St Margarets, Braemar. 6pm. Quiz Night hosted by Strathspey Thistle FC Royal British Legion, Grantown On Spey. 7.30pm.
Stargazing Tours - Brooklynn, Grant Road, Grantown
on Spey. T: 01479 873113. www.strathspeytours.com Live Music at The Winking Owl - The Winking Owl, Aviemore. 9pm. www.thewinkingowl.co. T: 01479 812368. FREE. Live Music with Alan Frew - The Balavoulin, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 812255.
Sunday 10th December Festive Services on the Strathspey Railway Aviemore Station. Various Times. www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk
Christmas Fun with the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd - Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, Reindeer House,
Aviemore. www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk/christmas-fun Santa’s Grotto at Blair Castle - Blair Castle, Blair Atholl. 10am-3pm. atholl-estates.co.uk/events/grotto Wreath Making Workshop - Blair Castle, Blair Atholl. 11am-1pm. atholl-estates.co.uk/events/wreathmaking
FREE. The Village Green Market and Craft Fair
- The Village Green Market and Crafts. Grampian Road, Aviemore. 11am-3pm. T: 07925 150890. Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS - Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge. 4-6pm. T: 01479 841613. www.landmarkpark.co.uk. TOMS Concert with Musick Fyne - St Columba’s Church, Church Drive, Boat of Garten. 7.30-10.00pm. T: 01479 831213.
Monday 11th December Line Dancing; Various Classes - Grantown British
Legion, Grantown on Spey. T: 07541 372524. Christmas Clubbercise with Louize - Kincraig Community Hall, Kincraig. 6-7pm. Fun fitness class (disco in the dark) for all levels of fitness. T: 07740 984247. www.facebook.com/fitnesswithlouize FREE. Chapel House Arts Christmas Exhibition Chapel House Arts, Kingussie. 1-5pm. www.fusedandlight.co.uk. T: 01540 662438.
Tuesday 12th December FREE. Heritage Ranger Walk: Drumin Castle and the Wolf of Badenoch - Drumin Castle Car Park, Ballindalloch. 2-2.45pm. T: 07946 025981. Storylands Sessions - Ptarmigan Dome, Loch Insh Outdoor Centre, Kincriag. Early session 6pm and late session 8pm. www.badenochstorylands.com.
FREE. New Moon Stargazing and Star Stories at Inveraven - Inveraven Church & Pictish Stones, Ballindalloch. 7-8.30pm. T: 07946 025981.
Wednesday 13th December Winking Owl WINTER Market - The Winking Owl, Aviemore. 10.30am-4.30pm.
FREE. Heritage Ranger Tour: Inveravon Church & Pictish Stones - Inveravon Church and Pictish Stones, Ballindalloch. 2-2.45pm. T: 07946 025981. FREE. Geminid Meteor Shower Viewing Tomintoul & Glenlivet Discovery Centre Tomintoul, Ballindalloch. 6.30-8pm. T: 07946 025981.
Thursday 14th December FREE. Craft and Chat Group - Grantown Library,
Grantown-on-Spey. 10.30am-12.30pm. T: 01349 781630. FREE. Chapel House Arts Christmas Exhibition Chapel House Arts, Kingussie. 1-5pm. T: 01540 662438. www.fusedandlight.co.uk FREE. Aviemore Chess Club - Aviemore Community Centre Library, Muirton, Aviemore. 7-10pm. T: 07415 892669.
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Friday 15th December FREE. Heritage Ranger Tour: Castle Walk to Blairfindy from Glenlivet Distillery - The Glenlivet Distillery, Ballindalloch. 11am-12pm. T: 07946 025981.
FREE. Chapel House Arts Christmas Exhibition -
Chapel House Arts, Kingussie. 1-5pm. T: 01540 662438. www.fusedandlight.co.uk Winter Launch Festival 2023 - Aviemore Ice Rink, Macdonald Aviemore Resort. 4-10pm. Gin Tasting Evening, Shetland Reel Gin - Nethy House, Nethy Bridge. 7-9.30pm. T: 07963 217793. Wild Stargazing at Howe of Torbeg - Howe of Torbeg, Ballater. 7-9pm. T: 013397 56262. www.howeoftorbeg.co.uk Live Music at The Winking Owl - The Winking Owl, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 812368. www.thewinkingowl.co.
Saturday 16th December Christmas Fun with the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd - Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, Reindeer House,
Aviemore. www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk/christmas-fun
Cairngorm Alpacas Welcomes You To Our Christmas @ Lochbuie Croft - Lochbuie Croft,
Newtonmore. T: 07798 658028. www.facebook.com/ cairngormalpacatrekking FREE. Santa Run with Parkrun Aviemore Speyside Way, Aviemore. 9.30am. www.parkrun.org.uk/ aviemore Festive Services on the Strathspey Railway Aviemore Station. Various Times. www.strathspeyrailway. co.uk Big Christmas Weekends - Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge. 10am-6pm. T: 01479 841613. landmarkpark.co.uk/events/big-christmas-weekend FREE. Chapel House Arts Christmas Exhibition Chapel House Arts, Kingussie. 1-5pm. T: 01540 662438. www.fusedandlight.co.uk Highland League Football Match - Seafield Park, Grantown on Spey. 2-3.45pm. strathspeythistlefc.com Dell Christmas Party - Dell of Abernethy, Nethy Bridge. 7pm.
Cinema Showing | The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG) - Grantown YMCA Community Centre,
Grantown on Spey. 4-5.30pm. T: 01479 872262. www.grantowncinema.co.uk Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS - Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge. 4-6pm. www.landmarkpark. co.uk. T: 01479 841613. E: info@landmarkpark.co.uk. FREE. Live Nativity - Alltnacriche, LYNWILG, Aviemore. 4.30-6.30pm. T: 07707 646251. Cinema Showing | It’s A Wonderful Life (U) Grantown YMCA Community Centre, Grantown on Spey. 7-9.30pm. T: 01479 872262. www.grantowncinema.co.uk Film Night featuring Fraction Skis - Braemar Village Hall. 7pm. Live Music at The Winking Owl - The Winking Owl, Aviemore. 9pm. www.thewinkingowl.co. T: 01479 812368.
Adventure Park, Carrbridge. 10am-6pm. T: 01479 841613. www.landmarkpark.co.uk/events/big-christmas-weekend Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS - Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge. 4-6pm. www.landmarkpark. co.uk. T: 01479 841613. Live Music at The Winking Owl - The Winking Owl, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 812368. www.thewinkingowl.co
Monday 18th December FREE. Chapel House Arts Christmas Exhibition Chapel House Arts, Kingussie. 1-5pm. T: 01540 662438. www.fusedandlight.co.uk
Thursday 21st December Festive Services on the Strathspey Railway -
Aviemore Station. Various Times. strathspeyrailway.co.uk Yuletide - Fife Arms, Ballater. www.thefifearms.com/ events/yuletide FREE. Chapel House Arts Christmas Exhibition Chapel House Arts, Kingussie. 1-5pm. T: 01540 662438. www.fusedandlight.co.uk
Friday 22nd December Festive Services on the Strathspey Railway -
Aviemore Station. Various Times. strathspeyrailway.co.uk FREE. Chapel House Arts Christmas Exhibition Chapel House Arts, Kingussie. 1-5pm. T: 01540 662438. www.fusedandlight.co.uk E: abridgen1@gmail.com. Festive Forest Bathing Under the Night Sky Meet at Loch Mallachie Car Park, Loch Garten. 7-8pm. www.highlandquietlife.co.uk/calendar. T: 07910 441633. Live Music at The Winking Owl - The Winking Owl, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 812368. thewinkingowl.co E: info@thewinkingowl.co
Saturday 23rd December Christmas Fun with the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd - Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, Reindeer House,
Aviemore. www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk/christmas-fun
FREE. Chapel House Arts Christmas Exhibition Chapel House Arts, Kingussie. 1-5pm. T: 01540 662438. www.fusedandlight.co.uk Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS - Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge. 4-6pm. www.landmarkpark. co.uk. T: 01479 841613. Christmas Torchlight Parade - Meet at ‘The Triangle’ above the Craiglynne Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 7-8.30pm. grantowntorchlight2023@gmail.com. Live Music at The Winking Owl - The Winking Owl, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 812368. www.thewinkingowl.co Sunday 24th December Christmas Fun with the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd - Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, Reindeer House,
Aviemore Station. Various Times. strathspeyrailway.co.uk
Aviemore. www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk/christmas-fun Christmas Eve Parade with Santa & Reindeer Departs Fire Station, Aviemore. 6pm to Cairngorm Hotel for fireworks. Santa & Reindeer Visit - Kingussie Courthouse. Time TBC. Santa & Reindeer Visit - Newtonmore Main Street. Time TBC.
Aviemore. www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk/christmas-fun/.
Monday 25th December Christmas Day Lunch - The Boat Country Inn, Boat of
Sunday 17th December Festive Services on the Strathspey Railway Christmas Fun with the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd - Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, Reindeer House, Cairngorm Alpacas Welcomes You To Our Christmas @ Lochbuie Croft - Lochbuie Croft, Strone Road, Newtonmore. T: 07798 658028. www.facebook.com/cairngormalpacatrekking
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Big Christmas Weekends - Landmark Forest
Garten. 12-5pm. T: 01479 831258.
Friday 29th December Live Music at The Winking Owl - The Winking Owl,
Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 812368. www.thewinkingowl.co
FREE. Chapel House Arts Christmas Exhibition Chapel House Arts, Kingussie. 1-5pm. T: 01540 662438. www.fusedandlight.co.uk
Saturday 30th December Festive Forest Bathing Under the Night Sky -
Meet at Loch Mallachie Car Park, Loch Garten. 7-8pm. T: 07910 441633. www.highlandquietlife.co.uk/calendar
FREE. Chapel House Arts Christmas Exhibition -
Chapel House Arts, Kingussie. 1-5pm. T: 01540 662438. www.fusedandlight.co.uk Highland League Football Match - Seafield Park, Grantown on Spey. 2-3.45pm. strathspeythistlefc.com Live Music at The Winking Owl - The Winking Owl, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 812368. www.thewinkingowl.co
Sunday 31st December FREE. Nethy Bridge Hogmanay Torchlight Procession - Lynstock Crescent, Nethy Bridge. 6-7.30pm.
Hogmanay Eight Course Tasting Menu at the Rowan Tree Country Hotel - Rowan Tree Country
Hotel, Loch Alvie, Aviemore. 7pm. T: 01479 810207. www.rowantreehotel.com Hogmanay Gala Dinner - The Boat Country Inn, Deshar Road, Boat of Garten. 7pm-1am. T: 01479 831258. www.boathotel.co.uk/christmas-hogmanay Hogmanay Ceilidh - Braemar Village Hall. 8pm. Hogmanay Ceilidh - Boat of Garten Village Hall. 8pm. www.boatofgarten.com/boat-hall Live Music at The Winking Owl - The Winking Owl, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 812368. www.thewinkingowl.co FREE. An Evening of Music - The Square, Grantown on Spey, Grantown on Spey. 10pm-1am. Fireworks - Cairngorm Hotel. 12am. cairngorm.com
FREE. Carrbridge Health Walk - Meet by the Old Bridge, 11am.
FREE. Cromdale Health Walk - In front of the Kirk, 10.30am.
Every Friday FREE. Glen Tanar Health Walk - Meet in Visitor Centre Car Park, Glen Tanar, 10am.
FREE. Tomintoul Health Walk - Bowling Club, Tomintoul. 10am.
FREE. Ballater Health Walk - Meet at Glenmuick
Church Hall, Ballater. 10.30am FREE. Live Music - The Winky & Bothy Bar, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 812368. FREE. Live Entertainment - Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 810233. www.cairngorm.com
Every Saturday FREE. Parkrun - Speyside Way, Dalfaber Drive. www.parkrun.org.uk/aviemore
FREE. Live Entertainment - Cairngorm Hotel,
Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 810233. www.cairngorm.com. FREE. Live music - The Winky & Bothy Bar, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 812368.
Every Sunday FREE. Entertainment - Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 6-8pm. T: 01479 810233. www.cairngorm.com
Please go to www.cairngorms.co.uk/healthwalks or call 07850 644 076 for further Health Walk information and for up to date information over the christmas break. There may be some changes to other weekly events over the christmas period so please check website or social media for updates.
Weekly Events Every Monday FREE. Braemar Health Walk - Under the Mews,
Braemar. 10am. Every other Monday, please check. FREE. Live Entertainment - Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 810233. www.cairngorm.com
Every Tuesday FREE. Grantown on Spey Health Walk - Anagach Wood, Curling Rink Car Park, Grantown on Spey. 10.30am FREE. Nethy Bridge Health Walk - Meet by Nethy Bridge Community Centre, Nethy Bridge. 1.30pm. FREE. Ballater Health Walk - Meet at Glenmuick Church Hall, Ballater. 1.30pm. Quiz Night - Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 8.45pm. T: 01479 810233. www.cairngorm.com
Every Wednesday FREE. Newtonmore Health Walk - Outside Wildcat Centre, Newtonmore. 10.30am.
FREE. Boat of Garten Health Walk - Meet outside
Boat of Garten Community Hall, Boat of Garten. 1.30pm. FREE. Live Music - Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 810233. www.cairngorm.com (6th, 13th & 27th December)
Every Thursday FREE. Kingussie Health Walk - Badenoch Centre, Spey Street, Kingussie. 10.30am.
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FESTIVE MAGIC IN THE
CAIRNGORMS! IF WINTER COMES TO LIFE IN THE CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK… JUST IMAGINE HOW WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS!
The Cairngorms National Park is the perfect place to let the magic of Christmas take over… the twinkling lights, snow-capped mountain tops, delicious treats, gluhwein, Santa & his reindeer, Christmas Parades, quiet moments…we have the lot! So…let’s find your perfect Christmas in the Cairngorms National Park. A trip to visit the Cairngorm Reindeer is a magical treat. Kids and grown ups alike are enchanted. You can say hello to the UK’s only free range (and very friendly!) Reindeer herd on a hill trip or a visit to the paddock, (suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs). The special Christmas Fun dates will even see Santa taking a break from his festive preparations to say hello! Check out the website and book your spot to say hello to Santa’s most famous crew. The Aviemore Ice Rink is the perfect afternoon of fun. Guaranteed to provide laugh out loud moments as you can get stuck in and try something new - a wee polar bear will help smaller skaters get going, the hot chocolate is delicious and you might even try your hand at curling. See the website for the skating and curling sessions this December. You can also have a crack at skating at the Glice rink lochside at Loch Insh. The location is beyond spectacular, and there are loads of other fun bits to add to your day - archery… pedal karts and the lovely Boathouse restaurant is perfect to warm up in and refuel. Landmark Park is magical all year round…but the Twi-LIGHTS in the Ancient Forest bring that little extra sprinkling of magic. Take a boardwalk wander through the illuminated woodland, perfect for little legs, buggy’s and wheelchairs, this enchanting walk can be experienced across generations. These moments to share are just priceless! A dedicated Christmas shopping day is always a bit special…how about visiting Balmoral Castle gift shop for those final special gifts?! A tour of the Castle Gardens, a wee shop and a spot of lunch...the perfect December treat. Our Christmas Markets are also brilliant for finding gifts that are a bit unique and meeting the creative folk of the National Park - they are a talented bunch.
Whilst we are talking about treats that are a bit more grown up, how about a distillery visit to warm your festive cockles?! Royal Lochnagar, Dalwhinnie & Cairn Distillery all have tasting sessions throughout December. Gin is also big and delicious news in the Cairngorms…Cairngorm Gin, Kinrara & Caorunn Gin are all great places to check out for tours, tastings and fabulous Christmas gifts. The lovely thing about our National Park is that you don’t have to go anywhere to feel the Christmas magic - it is just here! A crisp early morning walk around Loch Morlich, a snowy walk on the Deeside Way, or an evening stroll through the twinkling street lights of Aviemore, perhaps a call in at the Old Bridge Inn for a pint or a bit of supper. Finally...join the festive crowds at Grantown Torchlight Parade on the 23rd Dec followed by Aviemore Christmas Eve Parade, two great family events. For a full list of events including where the best place is to be for Hogmanay check our online calendar. You have chosen a cracking spot to celebrate! The Cairngorms National Park is the perfect place to create special childhood memories, or to share those evenings with friends, when you forget about the chaos of getting Christmas wrapped up, just enjoy a whopping dose of festive cheer. Let this special place touch your soul, embrace the festivities and create your perfectly imperfect Christmas with your favourite people.
Glenmore, Visit Scotland/Kenny Lam
Balmoral Castle, Visit Scotland/Kenny Lam
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Hanna Balan
www.visitcairngorms.com/plan-your-visit/winter
Seeing the Cairngorms by campervan is a wonderful way to experience the many different sights, sounds and landscapes here, while also enjoying our local communities and their amazing hospitality. So we created...
CAMPERVAN MAP GUIDE
helping you on your adventures
www.visitcairngorms.com
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